by TakeItUpANotch | May 25, 2022 | Fashion
Body Type Series Part 3: The Hourglass
Last week we tackled the apple body shape and I mentioned in that post that I would be discussing the hourglass shape next. If you happen to have this body shape you are very lucky! Curves are still in, so if you naturally have a curvy shape then you pretty much have the pick of litter when it comes to your fashion selections.
In my other posts regarding the different body shapes I have shared tips on how to create the illusion of an hourglasss body shape. This is mostly because hourglass shapes tend to be the most proportionate, and therefore the most desirable (according to todays beauty standards) shape. If you are already lucky enough to naturally have curves in all the right places then this post will help you figure out what you like and don’t like flaunting on your own body.
What is an Hourglass Shape?
If you have an hourglass silhouette than you have some of the following characteristics.
- You are generally well proportioned
- You have a defined waist
- Your hip and shoulders measure roughly the same
- Hourglass shapes also tend to have larger chests and hips
How to dress this body shape
Avoids
When is comes to pieces you may want to avoid with an hourglass shape, there really isn’t much that you can’t wear. Anything super flowy or baggy may not be your best friend simply for the fact that you have a killer figure. That being said, just add a belt to define that small waistline of yours and you’ll look absolutely fantastic! When in doubt add a belt! You may also want to lean away from anything that has a lot of embellishment near the hips or shoulders as these types of pieces may created an unbalanced look to your figure.
If there is any particular part of your body that you don’t want to flaunt then of course you can wear pieces that camouflage the areas that aren’t your favorite. For example, if you don’t like showing off too much chest then just opt for tops with a higher neckline, but not too high because that can throw everything off balance. High halter neck tops, like ones with bows or embellishments aren’t the best option for an hourglass shape. If you don’t like super form fitting pieces then go for a slim straight cut so you can still see your beautiful curves without fully accentuating them.
How to best dress this body shape
The key to looking your absolute best when you already have an hourglass figure is to make sure you’re maintaining your body’s natural proportions. You don’t want to wear anything that will make you look top or bottom heavy. You want to wear pieces that follow your natural silhouette and really accentuate your waist.
Necklines
slightly rounded or small v-necks are the best options for this silhouette. Oval, deep oval, round, or jewel necklines are great because they keep everything in balance. If you like showing off your chest then scoop or sweetheart necklines are the way to go! It all depends on your personal preference. If you don’t want to how off your bust then a small v-neck or crew neck are really great options.
Sleeves
The absolute best sleeve option for an hourglass figure is a fitted one. The length of that fitted sleeve however is completely up to you and how much of your arms you want to flaunt. Again, the key to dressing this figure is to keep everything in balance so large puff sleeves or bell sleeve that widen the shoulders or upper body are not always the best options.
Tops/Tees
Tops should be fitted for an hourglass shape. You want to really accentuate your natural waist and show off those curves. Some really great options for this body shape are fitted tees, peplum tops, fitted wrap tops, and of course a belted top.
Knitwear should be fitted as well. Aim for lightweight knitwear pieces as these will really compliment your shape.
Try to steer clear of anything boxy, oversized, or that has a lot of embellishment like ruffles and bows that will add volume to your upper body.
Bottoms
Sorry to any Gen Z lady that reads this post but low rise bottoms are not the best option if you have an hourglass shape. High waisted trousers and jeans are the way to go simply because the rise of these bottoms really accentuates your curves and natural waistline.
When it comes to the actual silhouette of bottoms that you should be looking for it is my opinion that is doesn’t truly matter. From skinny, straight cut, and even a flare leg, any silhouette will flatter this body shape. It is all up to your own personal preference.
Dresses
Just like with the tops, you want to accentuate your waistline when selecting a dress to wear. Nipped or belted dresses are amazing, but wrap dresses are a great option as well. Voluminous skirts will make the waist appear even smaller so try to find dresses with a full circle or tulip shape. Just make sure to keep things simple on the bottom half of the dress and don’t wear anything shorter than knee length.
I hope that you found this post helpful and learned more about the hourglass body shape and how to dress it. If you haven’t seen them already make sure to check out my apple and inverted triangle body shape posts! Make sure to subscribe to this blog so you never miss out on new content.
by TakeItUpANotch | May 20, 2022 | Lifestyle
Stress: When Multiple Major Life Events are Happening at Once
I am currently going through what I like the call my great transition into adulthood. I am 26 years old and am currently in the process of planning my wedding, selling a home, building a home, and building up this blog. Add on top of that my full time job as a Stylist, and your run of the mill day to day chores it can be a lot to handle, not only physically, but emotionally. I can honestly say that I have never been this stressed out in my life. While a lot of what I am going through is positive, that doesn’t mean I haven’t had an occasional anxiety attack or two.
I wanted to write this blog post, to not only help me connect with all of you better but to share some of the things that I have been doing to manage the stress in my life.
Exercise
I know many of you have probably heard this before, and on multiple occasions, but I cannot tell you how helpful exercise has been for me these past few months. Not only has it helped me lose some weight, (which lets be real what bride to be doesn’t want to be in the best shape of her life for her wedding day) but the endorphins that are released while I am getting some cardio in on an elliptical, walking my dog, or lifting some weights to build muscle are doing wondering for my mental state.
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers, but they also have an effect on your overall mood. They can release stress and create a feeling of well-being which is much needed in times where you may be feeling overwhelmed or have many stressors affecting your life.
Hobbies
While I am trying to build this blog in the hopes of it becoming a successful business, which can be stressful, I truly enjoy the time that I spend designing the site and writing posts for you all to read. It truly brings me joy when I get to share what I am passionate about, fashion & beauty. Sharing the knowledge that I have in these industries makes me so happy and I am glad to have a outlet in which to do so.
I also really enjoy baking and have built up quite the reputation with my Fiancé’s family. I am constantly asked to make sweet treats for family holidays and events. Just recently I took a whack at making a white chocolate blueberry layered cake. I infused the cake with white chocolate liqueur and added fresh blueberries into the batter to create a delicious dessert for my future father-in-laws Birthday. When I am in the kitchen whipping up a new dessert I forget about all of the stress that has been weighing down on me and it is nice to have that time and relax.
My advice would be to take some time out of your day and try new things, or maybe start that passion project or activity you always wanted to start to try an escape the things that are having a negative impact on your mental health.
Lists
I don’t know about you, but I am a lists kinda girl! I love creating a list and just checking things off as I complete them. Every time I draw a line through an item on my list my heart sings a little bit. This has really been helping me out a lot through my wedding planning process. It was not in the budget for my Fiancé and I to hire a wedding planner so we are doing the planning for our big day all on our own.
If you are in the middle of planning a wedding or other big event. Try creating a list or buying a planning book for your specific event. I know for me, the planning book that I purchased to help keep me organized for my wedding has timelines of when certain vendors need to be booked and also has pages to help manage your budget and allocate how much of that budget should be going towards each vendor. It has truly been a huge help for me and has taken some of the weight off my shoulders by keeping me super organized.
Quality Time
When life’s got you down or you’re just dealing with a lot, spending some quality time with friends and family can really lift your spirits and take some of the stress away. My Fiancé and I have joined a volleyball league with our friends and every Monday we get to blow off some steam by spending time with people we really care about.
We also enjoy a good beer and are quite the food snobs (thanks Gordon Ramsay) so we will go out about once a week and try new brews at our local breweries and try new dishes from either new restaurants we have never been to before or go back to some of our old favorites.
I encourage you and your partner to make the time to do something that you both enjoy. Even if it doest seem like you have the time, putting something that is stressing you out on the back burner to go out and have some fun will really make a huge difference.
Prayer
I know some of my readers may not be religious and that’s okay! This blog is first and foremost a place to help any woman level up her style game. Hopefully though, I have shared some other tips for dealing with stress that you can try to help you feel better while going through this period in your life. I would also encourage just taking some time to meditate and reflect on positive things that you have going for you and just take some deep breaths. It is all going to be okay.
I am not the perfect Christian. Admittedly I don’t pray to God everyday or even read through my Bible or devotionals like I should but I know that when I need him with me that he is always there. Being able to lean on God when I am stressed, or feeling anxious has helped me in so many ways.
My faith in God allows me the peace of mind of knowing that everything will go according to his plan and while I may ask him for things that I think I want/need, he is going to bring into my life things and situations that I know I can handle. He is doing that same thing with all of you. He only gives you what he knows you can handle. Just know that he is always with you and will guide you through it.
Conclusion
I hope that you found this post helpful. I really wanted to get a little more personal with all of you and just share some of the things that I have been doing to cope with all the stress these big events have been causing me.
Make sure to check out my other posts here. You will find some really great posts on fashion and beauty that I know you’ll really enjoy. Make sure to subscribe to this blog and receive your FREE capsule wardrobe checklist and always stay updated on new content.
by TakeItUpANotch | May 17, 2022 | Beauty
The “Clean Girl Aesthetic” Makeup Look
Some of you may be asking What is the “Clean Girl Aesthetic”? It is essentially a term coined by GenZ that basically equates to minimalism. We’re talking outfits with little to no accessories, no super loud colors or prints, and almost a tomboy feel to every outfit. In terms of makeup, which is what I wanted to share with you today, it’s a no makeup makeup look but with a trendier twist. After being in a pandemic for two years and everyone swapping their super heavy makeup routines for skincare products, it is no wonder why this “Clean Girl” look is so trendy at the moment.
I wanted to write about this aesthetic and how to achieve it because I think it is a really great baseline for you ladies who what to look more polished & put together without having to put on a full face of makeup everyday. There is also a certain elegance to this no makeup makeup trend that I think will help you achieve a more timeless and elevated look no matter where you are or what you’re doing in life.
Clean Beauty Products
Along with the minimalistic no makeup makeup look, clean beauty products/brands have really made a come up in the last couple of years. People have become more aware of the chemicals that are allowed to be put into our makeup products and have opted to go a more clean and organic route.
There are many clean beauty brands to choose from so if you are starting to build a makeup collection, or are looking to replace some of your empties then check out the following brands. All of the ones I am listing in this post are also cruelty free!
- Ilia Beauty
- RMS Beauty
- 100% Pure
- Alima Pure
- Juice Beauty
- Kosas
- Burts Bees
- W3ll People
How To Achieve The “Clean Girl Aesthetic” Makeup Look
Now that you have an idea of what this aesthetic is and some brands that you can try products from to achieve this look, it is time to go through the steps on how to actually achieve the perfect no makeup makeup look. What I love about this look is how versatile it can be. If you only have 5 minutes to get ready each morning this can be a really great option for you. If you are a lover of makeup like I am but want a more toned down look for everyday then this would also be great for you to try.
I always believe that putting your best foot forward no matter the place or situation is super important so by incorporating a simple makeup routine into your life you can really elevate your look and bring out your natural features.
Foundation/Concealer
The goal for this look is to still have a skin-like finish. Ultimately this will all boil down to preference. If you were blessed with a gorgeous even skin tone then you may be able to skip the foundation and concealer entirely. You can always skip foundation and just apply some concealer to problem areas like acne, or dark under eye circles. The choice is totally up to you! I often like to add a light layer of a CC cream or skin tint instead of a foundation when creating this look. I will then use concealer to hid any blemishes and place a minimal amount under my eyes.
Add Some Color To Those Cheeks
Blush is really going to be your best friend when it comes to achieving this no makeup makeup look. Cream based formulas work really well when your trying to keep a skin-like texture and appearance. Start by placing the blush on the apples of your cheeks and build up toward your temples to create that naturally flushed look. Since summer is right around the corner you can also add some cream bronzer to your cheeks and use it to do some slight contouring.
Finishing Touches
If you are super oily then you may want to add the lightest dusting of powder to just set everything in place. After that just pop some mascara on those lashes (If you are blonde or have lighter hair then a dark brown mascara will look the most natural but black is always an option and still looks amazing), lightly fill in your brows if needed because a great brow, even if filled in naturally, really frames the face, and pop on some lip gloss to really get your lips looking plump and hydrated. I suggest finding a lipgloss shade that is as close to your natural lip color as possible to really create a natural look.
I hope that you found this post helpful and got inspired to try this trendy “Clean Girl Aesthetic” makeup look. If you want to know what else I write about click here. Also if you haven’t already make sure to fill out the form in this post to receive a FREE Capsule Wardrobe Checklist and stay up to date on when I post new content.
by TakeItUpANotch | May 13, 2022 | Fashion
Body Type Series Part 2: The Apple
Have no fear apples! I have written this post to help you find the perfect silhouettes to match your body shape! Before we dive deep into this body shape and how to style it, I want you to know that inverted triangles and the apple body shape are in some ways synonymous. Both body shapes are known for their strong broad shoulders, but apples tend to carry a little more weight in their midsections. That being said, no matter what you want to flaunt (or conceal) I’ve got you covered. Just keep reading to see learn about the best & worst silhouettes for the apple body shape.
What is an apple body shape?
So what is an apple body shape anyway? See below a list of some key features that define this body shape!
- You are generally well proportioned
- Your shoulders are broader than your hips
- You’re not really all that curvy in your hips
- You have an undefined waistline (If you do then you may be an hourglass shape!)
How to dress this body shape.
Avoids
When it comes to this body shape there are some silhouettes and even fabrics that will be more difficult to work with. Anything super formfitting may not be the best option for you apples. As far as fabrics go, things like jersey or anything super light weight can sometimes be clingy and accentuate the parts of your body that you may not want to flaunt.
You will also want to avoid colors and prints that will draw attention to your midsections. Prints such as horizontal stripes can really accentuate and widen your midsection which is typically something that women with this body shape try to avoid. Super light colors can also make your midsection look bigger, especially if the top you wear is oversized and doesn’t provide any shape or structure.
Also make sure that any details in garments you wear are away from your midsection. Try to keep details on the top and lower third of your body.
Create the illusion of an hourglass figure
Just like my post on inverted triangles, I wanted to include some tips for the apple body shape that will help you create the illusion that you have an hourglass figure.
Much like the inverted triangle, creating a wider silhouette on your lower half is crucial. Bright colors and fun prints can be your best friend if you have this body shape. By bringing the attention to your lower body it can really help balance out your figure. For the top half off your body, accentuating your chest and arms is a really great option. V-necks tend to be an apples best friend, especially if you have a larger chest. As far as sleeve length goes, the sky is the limit! Just wear whatever sleeve length you feel the most comfortable in.
Try creating an outfit with a top that has some fun detailing in the chest area or even a puffy sleeve (if you want to accentuate your shoulders) and pair that with a pair of high waisted wide leg pants to create a super chic outfit that will really create that illusion of an hourglass shape.
Dresses/Skirts
I wanted to finish off this blog post by mentioning the best dress/skirt options for this body shape.
A-line dresses/skirts are the best option for you. Try on an a-line skirt with your favorite v-neck top to create a really great outfit option. You also can’t go wrong with a wrap dress. If the skirt of the wrap dress flares out and it is made with a more structured material such as tweed, garbadine, linen, or raw silk it can be a really flattering option for your shape.
I hope that if you have this body shape you found this post helpful. Make sure to subscribe to this blog so you never miss out on any new content. Next up in this body shape series is the coveted hourglass shape!
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by TakeItUpANotch | Apr 19, 2022 | Fashion
Body Type Series Part 1: The Inverted Triangle
Since my blog is all about leveling up your style game, I wanted to write a series of posts about how to dress each body type. To kick-off this series, I wanted to start with my own body shape, the inverted triangle. In this post, I want to break down what this body type is and the best tips & tricks for dressing this shape.
What is an inverted triangle?
If you are a woman with an inverted triangle body shape you have broader shoulders that are wider than your waistline or your hips. Your hips tend to be slim but you have some beautiful shapely legs. Your chest may also be large or small.
How to dress this body shape.
Avoids
The trick to dressing this body shape is to downplay the shoulder region. You want to avoid pieces that can accentuate your shoulders such as, blazers with shoulder pads, blouses that have a puff detail on the shoulders, or any knitwear piece that has chunky details by the neckline.
Now if you love your broad shoulders and want to show them off then by all means wear whatever you feel like your absolute best self in! I love dramatic sleeves and you’ll find me rocking pieces that accentuate my shoulders often.
Create the illusion of an hourglass figure
The best way to downplay your shoulders is to accentuate your hips. By wearing pieces that give you the illusion of having wider hips you will create an hourglass effect. Try wearing tops that have larger detail near the hips or wear wide leg bottoms to bring more volume to the lower half of your body.
Finding wide leg bottoms this spring/summer should be quite easy since this silhouette is a major trend this year!
A-line dresses or skirts that flare out from the hip area are also great options. This silhouette can also help make your waist appear smaller as well. The same can be said for peplum tops. These tops are great because that accentuate your waist and can also hide any lower belly insecurities while creating the illusion of wider hips!
Necklines for the Inverted Triangle.
Lastly, I want to talk about the best necklines for inverted triangles. The neckline of a top can have a major affect on how wide our shoulders look.
Long and slim necklines that slim down the entire upper body are ideal for us broad shouldered ladies. Deep and narrow scoop, V, and U necks are a fantastic option. Asymmetric necklines are another great option because they really help break up the chest vertically. If you are small chested like me, Halter necks can also help elongate your silhouette.
I hope if you have an inverted triangle body shape, or just want to expand your knowledge of the body types that you found this post helpful. Make sure you subscribe and keep an eye out for part two of this series. I will be tackling the apple body shape next!
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